Proposed Amendment to Local Law Governing Water Bills

The Village of Carthage will be holding a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the local law governing water bills.  The public hearing will be held on Monday, May 19th, 2025 at 6:10 pm during the regular monthly meeting in the Village of Carthage Boardroom, located at 120 S. Mechanic St., Carthage, NY 13619.  

The proposed amendment states:

Village of Carthage

Local Law Number 1 of 2025

A Local Law to Amend §A150-55 of the Village code to require the sending of copies of water and sewer shut-off notices to non-owner tenants and occupants of Village Properties.

Section 1:  Purpose and Legislative Intent

WHEREAS, the Village of Carthage provides 30-day water and sewer shut-off notices to Village users of the water and sewer systems pursuant to §A150-55.

WHEREAS, the Village is home to many renters who are on Village sewer and water, but are not required to pay for utilities under their leases and may inadvertently lose service due to a landlord's failure to pay for such services and the fact that §A150-55(A) only provides prior shut-off notice to the owners, and not the occupants, of village properties.

Section 2:  Amendment of Village Code

NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that §A150-55(A) is amended in its entirety as follows:

Village charges for water and sewer bills will be computed and bills for same will be mailed quarterly.  Charges will conform to a prevailing schedule determined by resolution of the Village Board.  When, after a water/sewer bill remains unpaid after the due date, a thirty-day notice will be sent to the owner and to any other tenants or occupants, to the extent that their identities and contact information can be confirmed.  If payment is not received within that thirty-day period stated, water will be shut off for nonpayment.  No further notice will be provided.  Water and sewer bills remaining unpaid as of March 31 will be added to the property owner's taxes due June 30. 

Section 2:  Effective Date

This law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.